4r100
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
The three most popular answers you'll get are John Wood, BTS, and Ford heavy duty replacement.
What will you be using your rig for? Will you be keeping it for a long time? What mods do you have?
As you can see from my sig, I prefer John Wood transmissions.
Stewart
What will you be using your rig for? Will you be keeping it for a long time? What mods do you have?
As you can see from my sig, I prefer John Wood transmissions.
Stewart
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 26
From: Mesa AZ
I think posting your location will help. There are a couple of builders who have earned a strong reputation here so either would work fine for you but your location will probably determine your course of action.
If you are in the Phoenix area, I can recommend a local shop who did a great job on my trans.
If you are in the Phoenix area, I can recommend a local shop who did a great job on my trans.
Post Fiend
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 6,096
Likes: 26
From: Mesa AZ
Brians Truck Shop
Super Moderator
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 29,380
Likes: 118
From: Central Coast of CA
I'd suggest a John Wood build then.
Honestly though, I'd call both John Wood and Brian at BTS and talk to them both. Pick their brains and go with who you feel the most comfortable with.
I can't say enough good things about John. He's not only built me a great trans for my Ex that'll last me forever, but he's also helped me many times over the phone to diagnose and fix problems with other transmissions, like the 4R70W in my brothers Mustang.
Stewart
Honestly though, I'd call both John Wood and Brian at BTS and talk to them both. Pick their brains and go with who you feel the most comfortable with.
I can't say enough good things about John. He's not only built me a great trans for my Ex that'll last me forever, but he's also helped me many times over the phone to diagnose and fix problems with other transmissions, like the 4R70W in my brothers Mustang.
Stewart
Trending Topics
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,712
Likes: 107
From: BoCoMo
BTS (and JWs) are for running hard and all day long. Racing or pulling, if it breaks he will fix it. Chips/tuners will not void the "warrenty".... which he told me and many others is for 'life'. the first page say 'two year warrenty' but that is for 'adjustments', shift plates, ect.
If you can get your truck to him, he will rebuild it while you watch and 'tune' it to your spec (shift timing and hard/soft shifts).
Stewart (great guy) loves his JW (as many do) and I love my BTS (as many do).
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Joe Kucinski
Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,712
Likes: 107
From: BoCoMo
If you are planning on having your truck two years or less go with a rebuilt from any ol' shop. If you are planning on owning your truck well over 5 years and work hard and play hard, these are your transmissions. They are a premium price, but they will not fail you when you need them.
With the TC that are in the BTSs, when you have it in gear, your truck is taking off with out touching the pedal. In fact you had better have your foot on the brake becuase she is moving. If you have it installed at your place and have any questions or want it to shift differently, Brian will send you a different shift plate that can be changed out in less than 10 minutes.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
Likes: 250
From: Hartford, WI
BTS (and JWs) are for running hard and all day long. Racing or pulling, if it breaks he will fix it. Chips/tuners will not void the "warrenty".... which he told me and many others is for 'life'. the first page say 'two year warrenty' but that is for 'adjustments', shift plates, ect. .
I don't want to buy a Ford reman because I know there are "mod *****" out there who make it their life's mission to squeal on you if they see mods. It is a risk I am not willing to take. BTDT
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 336
Likes: 0
i personally just got a ford oem rebuilt cus of a cracked bell housing(long story) but i got hd one for like $3000 done installed myself, have a friend to get parts for cost and i like it more than original, i couldnt see spending more than that cus i dont think i will have truck in 5 years but the warrenty is unlimited milage for 3 years so im good.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
Likes: 250
From: Hartford, WI
i personally just got a ford oem rebuilt cus of a cracked bell housing(long story) but i got hd one for like $3000 done installed myself, have a friend to get parts for cost and i like it more than original, i couldnt see spending more than that cus i dont think i will have truck in 5 years
but the warrenty is unlimited milage for 3 years so im good.
but the warrenty is unlimited milage for 3 years so im good.
Only if you don't mod it is. Otherwise you are at the mercy of the shop or warranty person. If GM could deny warranty on my trans because I have power adders, Ford can too. I know of techs that will call Ford to warn them of mods. I have seen the call personally so I know what I am talking about
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 7,308
Likes: 250
From: Hartford, WI
For the OP, yes. After all he will break the trans sooner or later. Usually after warranty so he might as well get something that doesn't have a warranty limit as testified by others. For szotty who plans to sell the truck in a few years, it doesn't make financial sense.